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Xavier Leal honors vets at 70th anniversary D-Day ceremony

NORMANDY, France -- U.S. Army Sgt. Xavier A. Leal stood on hallowed ground, as he and hundreds of other American service members commemorated the 70th anniversary of the Normandy D-Day invasion in 1944 that changed the course of World War II and history.

Leal, a member of the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion from Vicenza, Italy, spent approximately a week in the Normandy region, participating in ceremonies and representing the Americans who fought there 70 years ago.

“I am honoring our past and reliving the 70th anniversary by participating in all the ceremonies,” Leal said.

Soldiers such as Leal remain indebted to the veterans whose service demonstrated the selfless actions of the “greatest generation” who not only served to protect and defend our nation, but were part of a global force to defend peace and strengthen our ties with an emerging Alliance. The selfless actions by all Allies on D-Day continue to resonate 70 years later as U.S. forces in Europe remain steadfast in the commitment to European partners and NATO allies.